U.S. imposes sanctions on Sudanese paramilitary leader; boosts humanitarian aid
NPR Online NewsSep 02, 2023
The Facts
The Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) accepted an invitation to resume US-and Saudi-brokered negotiations in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Thursday, with both sides signaling readiness to resume talks as their six-month war continues.
Jeddah talks will reportedly focus on securing unlimited humanitarian access and achieving confidence-building measures to stop the fighting that erupted in mid-April amid a power struggle between Army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his former deputy, RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.
The Spin
Narrative A
The Sudanese army is not the one preventing a lasting ceasefire in Sudan, but this obstruction is from the RSF, which shows no interest in peace. The international community must recognize that the RSF is a terrorist organization and a threat to regional and international security. If Dagalo returns to his senses and abides by the agreements already on the table, there is hope for peace as the Sudanese government is ready for talks.
Narrative B
While al-Burhan blames the RSF and US sanctions, it's the Sudanese Army that is responsible for the most serious human rights violations across the country. Despite outrageous bias not contributing to a comprehensive political solution, the RSF remains ready to begin new negotiations to ensure sustainable peace.
